great, for the vigilance of the squadron
seldom allowed an enemy's cruiser a long career; but it sometimes
happened, as was particularly the case while the force was assembled for
the expedition to Sourabaya, that an enemy would unexpectedly show
himself, and commit serious depredations.

During the debate in the House of Commons, on the vote of thanks for the
victory at Algiers, Mr. Money, an East India Director, who had been in
India during Sir Edward's command, bore a strong testimony to the merit
and success of his system. "Such," he said, "was the vigilance with
which Sir Edward had chased the enemy from our extensive shores, and so
powerful the protection which he gave to our commerce in those seas,
that property to the amount of millions had been saved, which otherwise
would have fallen into the hands of the enemy." Making all the allowance
which a loose and general estimate usually requires, the assertion at
least shows the estimation in which Sir Edward's services were held. A
series of resolutions entered into by the merchants and underwriters of
Bombay, in December, 1808, when he was on the point of returning to
Europe, affords more precise evidence. From the data furnished by the
trade of this port, may be inferred the greatness of the benefits which
the commerce of India received from his protection.

"Resolved--That it appears to this meeting of merchants,
shipowners, and underwriters, of Bombay, to be an indispensable act
of justice, more especially under existing circumstances, publicly
to declare, on the approaching departure of his Excellency
Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Pellew for Europe, the extent of the
protection which the commerce of Bombay has received, since the
assumption by his Excellency of the command-in-chief of his
Majesty's ships in the Indian seas.

"--That it appears by a document framed in the insurance-office of
Bombay, that the rate of premium from Bombay to China, and from
China to Bombay, from the year 1708 to 1805, fluctuated between
twelve, ten, nine, and eight per cent.; while, during the period of
Sir Edward Pellew's command, from 1805 to 1808 inclusive, it has
stood at eight per cent., with a return of three per cent., if
sailing with convoy, and at five per cent., if warranted with
convoy: the rate of insurance has, therefore, been fifty per cent,
lower on the commerce of the port of Bombay d